KATHMANDU: In a bid to address the ongoing parliamentary disruptions, Speaker Devraj Ghimire has convened a crucial meeting of chief whips and whips representing all major political parties in the parliament.
The decision to hold this meeting comes on the heels of discussions among top leaders from the three key parties – Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, and CPN-Maoist Center – which took place earlier at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday morning.
In a noteworthy development, UML whip Mahesh Bertaula expressed the party’s willingness to accommodate a Special Time within the parliamentary proceedings. Bertaula acknowledged the grievances of fellow parliamentarians who felt their voices were stifled due to the ongoing disruptions. He emphasized that the incessant turbulence within the parliament was projecting a negative image to the general populace.
However, it was underlined that the UML lawmakers remain steadfast in their demand for the formation of a high-level investigation committee to probe the issue of illegally imported gold. This stance has led to the party’s refusal to allow the parliament to proceed with its agenda since July 26th.
The convened meeting of the House of Representatives is scheduled for Tuesday at 3 o’clock. It’s worth noting that the recent series of disruptions instigated by the UML’s refusal to cooperate has prompted the postponement of House sessions without prior notice, hampering legislative progress and raising concerns about the effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions.
Other opposition parties, including Rastriya Swatantra Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, have opposed to UML’s obstruction of the House over minor agenda and have been voicing that the House should not be disrupted under any pretext.
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